Man Sentenced to 29 Years to Life for Robbing Secret Service Agent in Tustin
Crime and Sentencing
A 32-year-old man, Jamonte Fitzgerald Johnson, was sentenced to 29 years to life in prison for robbing a Secret Service agent in Tustin in June. Johnson was convicted of robbery and possession of a firearm by a felon, with jurors also finding true sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm. He was given credit for 155 days in jail.
Co-Defendants and Sentencing
Co-defendant Eshon Dwayne Dodson, 21, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10. He was convicted of robbery with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a gun in the commission of a robbery. Another co-defendant, Bertran Claude Bell, 38, pleaded guilty in August to robbery with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a gun in the commission of a felony and was sentenced to six years in prison. Bell has a prior conviction for attempted robbery in December 2004.
The Crime
On June 15, a U.S. Secret Service member was robbed at gunpoint by multiple assailants while returning from an assignment. The victim was driving his department-issued vehicle to his home in Tustin after working at a fundraiser for President Joe Biden in Los Angeles, which was attended by former President Barack Obama. As he approached his front door, he was confronted by robbers, who demanded that he hand over his bag containing a laptop computer.
The Investigation
The agent fired seven rounds at the suspects, who drove away with the agent’s cell phone, radio, radio holster, lapel pins, flashlight, gun magazines, and other goods. Police were able to track the suspects using an iPhone feature and found the phone at Jamboree and Walnut Avenue, as well as other stolen goods nearby. A DNA match from the dropped gun linked Johnson to the robbery.
Conclusion
The case highlights the severity of the crime and the importance of justice for victims. The sentence handed down to Johnson reflects the gravity of the offense and the need for accountability.
FAQs
Q: What was the nature of the crime?
A: The crime was a robbery of a Secret Service agent at gunpoint in Tustin, California.
Q: Who were the co-defendants?
A: The co-defendants were Eshon Dwayne Dodson and Bertran Claude Bell.
Q: What were their sentences?
A: Jamonte Fitzgerald Johnson was sentenced to 29 years to life, Eshon Dwayne Dodson is scheduled to be sentenced on January 10, and Bertran Claude Bell was sentenced to six years in prison.
Q: What was the motive behind the crime?
A: The motive behind the crime is not specified in the article.
